ጠንካራ ተዋጊዎች እና ደካማ ተዋጊዎች፡ ከኦሮሞ ነጻነት ትግል የመቋቋም ትምህርቶች
የትግል እቶን ውስጥ፣ በድልና በሽንፈት መካከል ያለው ልዩነት የጠላት ጥንካሬ ሳይሆን የተዋጊው ቁርጠኝነት ነው።
የነጻነት ትግል የአንድን ሕዝብ ነፍስ የሚፈትን እቶን ነው። የቆረጠውን ከተስፋ ቆራጡ ይለያል። በኦሮሞ ሕዝብ ረጅምና አስቸጋሪ የነጻነት ጉዞ ውስጥ፣ ሁለት አርአያዎች ብቅ አሉ—ጠንካራ ተዋጊ እና ደካማ ተዋጊ። ታሪኮቻቸው ለኦሮሞ ነጻነት እንቅስቃሴ ብቻ ሳይሆን፣ በመላው ዓለም ለሚደረጉ የፍትህና የራስን ዕድል በራስ መወሰን ትግሎች ሁሉ ጠቃሚ ትምህርቶችን ይሰጣሉ።
ደካማ ተዋጊ፡ ራስን የማጥፋት ጥናት
የትግሉ ጫና ሲጨምር፣ ጠላት እጅግ ሲበረታ፣ ወደ ፊት ያለው መንገድ ሲዘጋ፣ አንድ ዓይነት ተዋጊ ይታያል—ውጫዊ ጠላትን መታገል ባለመቻሉ ብስጭቱን ወደ ውስጥ የሚመልስ።
“ተዋጊዎች ደካማ በሆኑ ጊዜ ጠላትንና የጠላትን መዋቅር መግፋት ባለመቻላቸው በራሳቸው በተገነቡት ውስጥ አልፈው እርስ በርሳቸው መዋጋት ይጀምራሉ።”
ደካማ ተዋጊው፣ ጠላትን መምታት ወይም መዋቅሮቹን ማፍረስ ባለመቻሉ፣ እራሱን ማጥፋት ይጀምራል። ብስጭት ወደ ተስፋ መቁረጥ፣ ተስፋ መቁረጥ ወደ ተስፋ መቆረጥ፣ ተስፋ መቆረጥ ደግሞ ወደ ራስን ማጥፋት ይመራል። አንዴ ያገለገሉት ድርጅት የውስጥ ቅሬታቸው ኢላማ ይሆናል። አንዴ አብረው የተጓዙት ጓዶች የጥርጣሬና የተጠርጣሪነት ሰለባ ይሆናሉ። አንዴ ያገለገሉት ጉዳይ የመራራነት ምንጭ ይሆናል።
“ወደፊት ድል ከማድረግ ይልቅ፣ ሽንፈታቸውን በማስፋፋት ለመጪዎቹ ትውልዶች ተስፋ እንዲቆርጡ ያደርጋሉ።”
የደካማ ተዋጊው አሳዛኝ ነገር ርስታቸው ድል ሳይሆን መበታተን መሆኑ ነው። የነጻነት የወደፊት ጊዜን ከመገንባት ይልቅ፣ የመከፋፈልና የተስፋ መቁረጥ ቅርስ ይተዋል። የውስጥ ግጭት ፍርስራሽ የሚወርሱ የወደፊት ትውልዶች ትግሉ ራሱ ከንቱ ነበር ብለው ማመን ይጀምራሉ።
ይህ ደካማ ተዋጊው የሚያስከትለው ትልቁ አደጋ ነው—ለራሳቸው ብቻ ሳይሆን፣ ለጋራ የነጻነት ህልምም ጭምር። ተዋጊዎች እርስ በርሳቸው ሲዋጉ፣ ድርጅቶች ወደ ተፋላሚ አንጃዎች ሲከፋፈሉ፣ በጭቆና ላይ መወርወር ያለበት ሃይል በውስጥ ግጭት ሲበላ፣ ጠላት ያለምንም ጥይት ያሸንፋል።
ጠንካራ ተዋጊ፡ መከራን መቋቋም
ከዚህ በእጅጉ በተቃራኒው ጠንካራ ተዋጊው ይቆማል—ሁኔታው ምንም ይሁን ምን፣ በፍትህና በእውነት ላይ የተጠነከረው።
“ጠንካራ ተዋጊው፣ በሌላ በኩል፣ ሁልጊዜ በፍትህና በእውነት ላይ ተጠንክሮ በመቆም የተገኘው ድል የበለጠ እንዲያድግ ያደርጋል።”
ጠንካራ ተዋጊው ድል ዋስትና እንዳልሆነ ይረዳል—በየቀኑ፣ በየትግሉ፣ በየመስዋዕቱ መገንባት አለበት። ወደ ነጻነት የሚወስደው መንገድ ረጅምና ጠመዝማዛ፣ በሽንፈቶችና በሀዘኖች የተሞላ መሆኑን ያውቃል። ሆኖም ፍትህና እውነት በመጨረሻ እንደሚሰፍን በማመን ወደ ፊት ይገፋል።
“የጠላት ጫናና ጉዳት ምንም ያህል ቢበዛ ይቋቋማል፤ ትናንት የገነባቸውን መንገዶች በጠላት ውስብስብ ነገሮች ውስጥ ሲያልፉ አይነኩም፤ አያበላሹም።”
ምንም ያህል ጫናው ቢጠናክር፣ ምንም ያህል የጠላት ጥቃት አስከፊ ቢሆን፣ ጠንካራ ተዋጊው ጸንቶ ይቆማል። ለዓመታት በትግል በጥንቃቄ የተገነቡትን ስልቶችና መዋቅሮች አይተውም። መርሆቻቸውን አያበላሹም ወይም የመጨረሻ ግባቸውን አያጡም። ፍርሃት ወይም ብስጭት ቁርጠኝነታቸውን እንዲያበላሹ አይፈቅዱም።
“በእውነቱ፣ በጠላት ውስብስብ ነገሮች ውስጥ የሚያሳልፉትን ጥንካሬ በማድነቅ፣ ያለውን ድክመት ደግሞ ለመጪዎቹ ትውልዶች በማስተካከል ወደ ታላቅ ድል ይገሰግሳሉ።”
ጠንካራ ተዋጊው በድክመት ከመበላት ይልቅ ከእሱ ይማራል። የዛሬዎቹ ተግዳሮቶች ለነገው ድሎች እያዘጋጇቸው መሆኑን ይገነዘባሉ። መከራን በማሸነፍ የሚያዳብሯቸው ጥንካሬዎች ለወደፊት ስኬት መሠረት ይሆናሉ። የሚለዩትና የሚያስተካክሏቸው ድክመቶች ደግሞ የሚቀጥለው ትውልድ ተመሳሳይ ስህተቶችን እንዳይደግም ያደርጋሉ።
የኦሮሞ ነጻነት ትግል፡ የመቋቋም ጥናት
የኦሮሞ ሕዝብ በተከታታይ የኢትዮጵያ አገዛዞች ሥር ከመቶ ዓመት በላይ የቅኝ ግዛት ጭቆና ተቋቁሟል። ለራስ ዕድል በራስ መወሰን የሚያደርጉት ትግል የታላቅ ድልና አስከፊ ሽንፈት ጊዜያትን አሳይቷል። በሁሉም ነገር ውስጥ፣ በጠንካራና በደካማ ተዋጊ መካከል ያለው ልዩነት በግልጽ ታይቷል።
በኦሮሞ ታሪክ ውስጥ ደካማ ተዋጊ፦
በኦሮሞ ትግል ታሪክ ውስጥ፣ የቅኝ ግዛት ሥርዓትን ውጤታማ በሆነ መንገድ መምታት ባለመቻላቸው ሃይላቸውን ወደ ውስጣዊ ግጭት ያዞሩ ሰዎች ነበሩ። አንጃዊነት፣ የግል ፉክክር፣ እና ርዕዮተ ዓለማዊ አለመግባባቶች እንቅስቃሴውን በተወሰነ ጊዜ አዳክመው የኦሮሞ ነጻነት መገኘትን አዘግይተዋል።
አንዳንድ ተዋጊዎች፣ በትግሉ የማይቻል ይመስል በመሆኑ ተስፋ ቆርጠው፣ ጉዳዩን ሙሉ በሙሉ ትተዋል። ሌሎች ደግሞ፣ ከእንቅስቃሴው በላይ ራሳቸውን ማሳካት ባለመቻላቸው፣ ከውስጥ ለማጥፋት ፈለጉ። አሁንም ሌሎች ደግሞ፣ በራሳቸው ቅሬታ ተበልተው፣ የጋራ ህልሙን አጡ።
የዚህ ድክመት ውጤቶች ጥልቅ ናቸው። አስርት ዓመታት የትግል ጊዜ ተራዝሟል። ትውልዶች በውስጣዊ ክፍፍል ጠፍተዋል። የተጨቆኑት አለመቻቻል ጠላትን አጠንክሮታል።
በኦሮሞ ታሪክ ውስጥ ጠንካራ ተዋጊ፦
ከእነዚህ ማስጠንቀቂያ ታሪኮች ጎን ለጎን የኦሮሞ ትግል ጀግኖች ይቆማሉ—እነዚያ ሁኔታው ምንም ቢሆን፣ ለፍትህና ለእውነት ያላቸውን ቁርጠኝነት ያላሳጡት። መኒልክን ጦር በጥቂት ድፍረትና እምነት ከተጋፈጡት ቀደምት ተቃዋሚ ተዋጊዎች አንስቶ፣ የነጻነት ችቦውን ወደ 21ኛው ክፍለ ዘመን እስካስተላለፉት ዘመናዊ አብዮተኞች ድረስ፣ የኦሮሚያ ጠንካራ ተዋጊዎች ለተስፋ መቁረጥ እጅ ለመስጠት ፈቃደኞች አልነበሩም።
እነዚህ እስር፣ ስቃይ፣ እና ግዞት ቢደርስባቸውም ጉዳዩን ፈጽሞ ያልተዉት ተዋጊዎች ናቸው። እነዚያ እንቅስቃሴው በጣም በተዳከመ ጊዜ፣ ከቀመር ያሳደጉት። እነዚያ ጠላት የማይሸነፍ በሚመስል ጊዜ፣ አዳዲስ የመቃወሚያ መንገዶችን ያገኙት።
የኦሮሚያ ጠንካራ ተዋጊዎች ትግሉ ስፕሪንት ሳይሆን ማራቶን መሆኑን ተረድተዋል። ተቋማትን ገንብተዋል፣ አሰልጣኞችን አሰልጥነዋል፣ እና የተቃውሞ ቅርስን ለአዳዲስ ትውልዶች አስተላልፈዋል። ከድካሞች ተምረው ሽንፈቶችን ወደ ድል ማሳከሚያ ደረጃዎች ቀይረዋል።
ለሁሉም ትግሎች ትምህርቶች
በጠንካራና በደካማ ተዋጊ መካከል ያለው ልዩነት ከኦሮሞ ነጻነት እንቅስቃሴ በላይ የሚዘልቅ ትምህርት ይዟል። እያንዳንዱ የፍትህ ትግል—ለሲቪል መብቶች፣ ለብሔራዊ ነጻነት፣ ወይም ለሰብአዊ ክብር—ተመሳሳይ ፈተናዎች ይገጥሙታል።
ትምህርት አንድ፡ ጠላት ጓድህ አይደለም
ውጫዊ ጫና ሲጨምር፣ እርስ በርሳችን የመዞር ፈተና ጠንካራ ነው። ነገር ግን እውነተኛ ጠላት የሚስማማህ ጓድህህ፣ ስህተት የሚሰራ መሪህ፣ ወይም የሚያሳዝንህ ድርጅትህ አይደለም። እውነተኛ ጠላት የጭቆና ሥርዓቱ ነው። ሃይልን ወደ ውስጣዊ ግጭት ማዞር ጨቋኙን ለማጠንከር ብቻ ያገለግላል።
ትምህርት ሁለት፡ የመቋቋም ብቃት የሚገነባ እንጂ አይሰጥም
ጠንካራ ተዋጊዎች አይወለዱም—የሚፈጠሩት በትግል እቶን ውስጥ ነው። እያንዳንዱ ድካም የመማር አጋጣሚ ነው። እያንዳንዱ ተስፋ መቁረጥ የማደግ አጋጣሚ ነው። እያንዳንዱ መስዋዕት የመቀጠል ቁርጠኝነትን ያጠነክራል።
ትምህርት ሶስት፡ ድል ለጸንተው ነው
የታሪክ አቅጣጫ ወደ ፍትህ ያጎንበሳል—ግን ጠንካራ ተዋጊዎች ማጎንበሱን ስለሚቀጥሉ ብቻ ነው። ድል ፈጽሞ ዋስትና የለውም፤ በትውልዶች የማያቋርጥ ጥረት ማሸነፍ አለበት። ተስፋ የሚቆርጡ ሽንፈትን ያረጋግጣሉ፤ ምንም እንቅፋት ቢኖርም የሚቀጥሉ ደግሞ የስኬት እድል ይፈጥራሉ።
ትምህርት አራት፡ ቅርስ ጉዳይ ነው
ደካማ ተዋጊው መከፋፈልና ተስፋ መቁረጥ ይተዋል። ጠንካራ ተዋጊው ተስፋና ለወደፊት ድል መሠረት ይተዋል። ምን ቅርስ ትተሃል? መጪዎቹ ትውልዶች ለትግሉ ያበረከትከው አስተዋፅኦ ምን ይላሉ?
ወደ ፊት ያለው መንገድ
የኦሮሞ ነጻነት እንቅስቃሴ ወደ ራስ ዕድል በራስ መወሰን ጉዞውን ሲቀጥል፣ በጥንካሬና በድክመት መካከል ያለው ምርጫ እንደ ሁልጊዜው አስፈላጊ ነው። ተግዳሮቶቹ እጅግ በጣም ብዙ ናቸው—ኃያል የመንግስት መሳሪያ፣ የመከፋፈል ታሪክ፣ እና ከመቶ አመት በላይ የጭቆና ሸክም። ሆኖም ለድል ያለው እድል ከመቼውም ጊዜ በላይ ታላቅ ነው።
ጠንካራ ተዋጊው እነዚህን ተግዳሮቶች ተመልክቶ እድል ያያል። በኢትዮጵያ መንግስት ውስጥ ያሉት ስንጥቆች፣ የኦሮሞ ጉዳዮች እየጨመረ ያለው ዓለም አቀፍ ግንዛቤ፣ የኦሮሞ ሕዝብ እያደገ ያለው አንድነት—ሁሉም ወደ ነጻነት መገኘት እየጠቆሙ ነው።
“በጠላት ውስብስብ ነገሮች ውስጥ የሚያሳልፉትን ጥንካሬ በማድነቅ፣ ያለውን ድክመት ደግሞ ለመጪዎቹ ትውልዶች በማስተካከል ወደ ታላቅ ድል ይገሰግሳሉ።”
የኦሮሞ ትግልን እስካሁን ያስቀጠለውን ጥንካሬ በመገንዘብና በማክበር፣ እንዲሁም ያገደውን ድክመቶች በቅንነት በመፍታት፣ እንቅስቃሴው ወደ ድል የወደፊት ጊዜ መገንባት ይችላል። የዛሬዎቹ ጠንካራ ተዋጊዎች ለነገው ጠንካራ ተዋጊዎች መሠረት እየጣሉ ነው።
መደምደሚያ፡ ምርጫው የኛ ነው
በጠንካራና በደካማ ተዋጊ መካከል ያለው ልዩነት የሚወሰነው በሁኔታ ሳይሆን በምርጫ ነው። እያንዳንዱ ተዋጊ፣ እያንዳንዱ አክቲቪስት፣ እያንዳንዱ አብዮተኛ የጥርጣሬ፣ የፍርሃት፣ እና የድካም ጊዜያት ያጋጥሙታል። ጥያቄው እነዚህ ጊዜያት ይመጣሉ አይመጡም አይደለም፤ በሚመጡበት ጊዜ እንዴት እንደምንምላስ ነው።
ብስጭታችንን ወደ ውስጥ አዞር ራሳችንን እናጠፋለን? ወይስ በቀድሞ አባቶቻችን ጥንካሬ፣ በጓዶቻችን የመቻል ብቃት፣ እና በጉዳያችን እርግጠኛነት ላይ ተመርኩዘን ወደ ፊት እንገፋለን?
የኦሮሞ ሕዝብ ብዙ ተቋቁሟል። የመሬታቸው ውድመት፣ የባህላቸው መጨቆን፣ እና የመብቶቻቸው መካድ ተመልክተዋል። ሆኖም አልጠፉም። አልተሸነፉም። ተስፋ አልቆረጡም።
“ጠንካራ ተዋጊው፣ በሌላ በኩል፣ ሁልጊዜ በፍትህና በእውነት ላይ ተጠንክሮ በመቆም የተገኘው ድል የበለጠ እንዲያድግ ያደርጋል።”
ጠንካራ ተዋጊው ድል የሽንፈት አለመኖር ብቻ ሳይሆን—የማያቋርጥ፣ መርሃዊ፣ እና የማይናወጥ ትግል ውጤት መሆኑን ያውቃል። እና ይህ እምነት በመጨረሻ የኦሮሞ ሕዝብን ከጭቆና ወደ ነጻነት፣ ከዓመጽ ወደ ፍትህ፣ ከተስፋ መቁረጥ ወደ ተስፋ ያመራል።
“በጠላት ውስብስብ ነገሮች ውስጥ የሚያሳልፉትን ጥንካሬ በማድነቅ፣ ያለውን ድክመት ደግሞ ለመጪዎቹ ትውልዶች በማስተካከል ወደ ታላቅ ድል ይገሰግሳሉ።”
የትግሉን ውስብስብ ነገሮች የምናሳልፍበትን ጥንካሬ እናክብር፣ ድክመቶቻችንን ደግሞ ለሚቀጥሉት ትውልዶች እናስተካክል ወደ ታላቅ ድል እንዲገሰግሱ።
ትግሉ ይቀጥላል። ጠንካራ ተዋጊው ይቋቋማል። እና ድል፣ ምንም ያህል የራቀ ቢመስልም፣ በመድረስ ርቀት ላይ ነው።
The Price of Recognition: Understanding the ABO Movement’s Call for Commitment and Sacrifice
In a world hungry for fame, the ABO reminds us that true recognition comes not through seeking attention, but through dedication to a cause greater than oneself
The measure of a person is not found in the number of followers they accumulate or the volume of their voice in crowded digital spaces. True recognition—the kind that endures beyond fleeting trends—is earned through sacrifice, commitment, and unwavering dedication to a cause that transcends individual ambition.
This is the foundational philosophy behind the ABO movement, an organization that has captured the attention of many who seek meaning in an increasingly superficial world. The ABO does not promise easy paths or instant gratification. Instead, it offers something far more valuable: the opportunity to earn genuine recognition through meaningful contribution.
The Path Begins with Commitment
“Namni kamuu yoo beekamuu fedhu ABO keessatti akka hirmaannaa fi qabsoo hadhawaa godhaa turetti of dhaadhessuu irraa jalqaba.”
These words carry a profound truth: Anyone who wishes to be recognized within the ABO must begin by dedicating themselves to participation and persistent struggle. This is not a casual undertaking. It is a call to action that demands nothing less than one’s full commitment.
In an era where many seek shortcuts to fame, the ABO stands as a countercultural force. It reminds us that meaningful recognition cannot be purchased, manufactured, or manipulated. It must be earned through demonstrated dedication over time.
Understanding the Struggle
“Qabsoo keessa bu’aa bahiin hedduu akka jiru beekanii itti seenuu qaban.”
Those who enter the struggle must understand that there are many benefits to be gained—but these rewards are not guaranteed. They are the product of perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the cause. The ABO does not promise comfort; it promises purpose.
The struggle is not for the faint of heart. It requires participants to confront challenges, overcome obstacles, and push beyond their perceived limits. But for those who persist, the rewards are transformative—not just in terms of external recognition, but in the development of character, resilience, and a profound sense of purpose.
The True Nature of the Struggle
“Qabsoon dirree kubbaa miilaa miti. Qabsoon wareegama haga lubbuu gaafata.”
This is perhaps the most sobering and essential truth the ABO offers: The struggle is not a playground or a casual pastime. It is not a place for those who seek entertainment or momentary excitement. The struggle demands everything—it requires nothing less than a commitment that touches the very depths of one’s being.
The field of battle is not a football pitch where one can simply kick a ball and walk away at the end of the day. The struggle penetrates to the core of human existence. It asks for dedication that endures through hardship, perseverance through disappointment, and courage in the face of adversity.
The ABO’s Vision
The ABO movement represents more than just an organization—it embodies a philosophy of meaningful existence. In a world increasingly defined by superficial metrics of success, the ABO calls people back to what truly matters: genuine contribution, authentic community, and lasting impact.
Those who join the ABO are not seeking fame in the conventional sense. They are seeking significance—the knowledge that their lives have meaning, that their efforts contribute to something greater than themselves, and that their legacy will endure beyond their years.
The Challenge to Modern Society
The ABO’s message resonates deeply in a contemporary context where young people are increasingly seeking validation through digital platforms. The movement challenges us to reconsider our definitions of success and recognition.
True recognition, the ABO teaches, comes not from being seen, but from being worthy of being seen. It comes not from seeking attention, but from deserving attention through demonstrated commitment to noble causes.
Lessons for All
While the ABO speaks specifically to its members, its philosophy holds universal truths:
Commitment Precedes Recognition: Before one can be recognized, one must first commit. This applies to every field of human endeavor—from art to science, from business to community service.
Struggle Builds Character: The challenges we face are not obstacles to our growth; they are the very means through which we grow. The struggle shapes us, strengthens us, and prepares us for greater responsibilities.
True Reward is Internal: While external recognition is meaningful, the greatest reward of commitment is the transformation that occurs within. Character, resilience, and purpose are the true prizes.
A Call to Reflection
As we consider the ABO’s message, we are invited to examine our own lives. Are we seeking recognition without commitment? Are we looking for rewards without struggle? Are we hoping for significance without sacrifice?
The ABO reminds us that the most meaningful achievements in life—the ones that bring true fulfillment—are earned through dedication that costs us something. The struggle is not easy, but it is worthwhile. The path is not simple, but it leads to genuine recognition.
Looking Forward
The ABO movement continues to grow, attracting those who are weary of superficial success and hungry for genuine meaning. As it does, it offers a powerful counter-narrative to the dominant culture of instant gratification and fleeting fame.
The message is clear: If you want to be recognized, be willing to commit. If you want to succeed, be willing to struggle. If you want significance, be willing to sacrifice. The ABO does not offer shortcuts—it offers the path to something far more valuable: a life of genuine purpose and lasting impact.
“Qabsoon dirree kubbaa miilaa miti. Qabsoon wareegama haga lubbuu gaafata.” — The struggle is not a playground. It demands everything.
In these words lies a timeless truth that speaks to every generation, every culture, and every individual seeking to make their life count for something that truly matters.
The Truth Behind the Lens: A Reflection on Activism, Legacy, and Identity
“Dabeessi afaan goota, yoo diina arge hoota.” (A coward speaks like a hero, but flees at the sight of the enemy.)
In the period of transformation, a desire emerged among some activists from the Oromo Liberation Front (ABO) and the Oromo Federalist Congress (KFO) to meet and exchange views. This led to an unusual gathering at the residence of Jawar Mohammed—a meeting that would later become a source of profound reflection for those who attended.
The story of that day, and the subsequent events, reveals a complex narrative about leadership, media representation, and the ownership of a people’s struggle.
The Summons and the Scrutiny
Darajjee Margaa, who at the time had a role in the KFO concerning youth affairs, acted as an intermediary. He was contacted by Jawar Mohammed, who expressed a desire to discuss important matters with several youth from the ABO. Darajjee then extended the invitation to a group of us.
On the appointed day, about 15 of us assembled and went to Jawar’s residence in Bole. The atmosphere was laden with suspicion. Before we entered, we were subjected to a thorough security check. We were disarmed—our phones and even our pens were taken from us. The justification given was the fear that if we recorded the conversation, it could be weaponized against them.
This act of stripping us of our basic belongings set the tone for a meeting that was meant to be a dialogue but felt more like an interrogation. It was the first time most of us had seen Jawar in person. He appeared to us not as the figure we saw on television, but as someone seated in a posture we found peculiar—sitting low like a Somali woman selling jima (khat) at a market.
The Core of the Conversation
Once the formalities were over, Jawar laid out his intentions. He stated that the struggle had moved past the phase of confrontation, and now it was time to work for the people. He urged the youth, whom he acknowledged had paid a heavy price in the struggle, to join him in this new endeavor. He raised a crucial question for debate: Should he found a new political party? Or should he join the existing ABO or KFO? Or should he continue as an activist?
This was the moment for us to speak. I took the opportunity to respond with two critical points:
- The Silence on Atrocities: I questioned Jawar’s moral standing, pointing out that while he spoke of struggle, he remained silent on the fate of Oromo prisoners and massacres. I asked him why he had not raised his voice against the suffering of Oromos. “Why are you silent when Oromos are being imprisoned and killed?”
- The Redundancy of a New Party: I argued that the Oromo people do not need a new party. The existing structures—the ABO and KFO—are sufficient vehicles for the struggle. If he wished to serve the people, he should join one of these existing organizations. “The Oromo people do not need a new party. The ABO and KFO are enough for us.”
The meeting was charged with emotion. Fellow youth, particularly those from Guji, were visibly angry and spoke with deep frustration.
The Interview with Tom Gardner and the “Father of Qeerroo”
Following the meeting, a documentary filmmaker named Tom Gardner from the UK began researching the Oromo youth movement. He interviewed many figures, including Jawar Mohammed, and then approached me for an interview at the Hyatt Regency in Finfinne.
During the interview, Tom asked a series of pivotal questions regarding the emergence of the Qeerroo (Oromo Youth) movement. He wanted to know when I joined and how the movement was organized.
In my response, I clarified that while the youth movement had existed since 2005, it was formalized as the “Qeerroo Bilisummaa Oromoo” (QBO) in 2011. I explained that this structure was established under the umbrella of the ABO, with its leaders reporting to ABO officials. I emphasized that Jawar Mohammed had no role in founding the QBO; his influence came much later, around 2014, and was limited to social media activism.
When Tom Gardner indicated that Jawar had claimed to be the leader of the Qeerroo, I felt it was necessary to correct the record. I urged Tom to interview more youth who had been actively involved in the struggle from 2014 to 2018, assuring him they would confirm that the leadership and direction came from the ABO, not from Jawar.
The Fight for Truth
Later, I learned that Jawar was attempting to claim ownership of the Qeerroo movement. He aimed to position himself as the “Father of Qeerroo” to legitimize his political ambitions and draw youth away from the ABO and KFO. This was a betrayal of the trust of the youth who had sacrificed so much.
The narrative that Jawar was the architect of the Qeerroo movement is a distortion. The QBO was established in 2011 by the ABO, and its legitimacy is rooted in its connection to the Oromo people’s long struggle for freedom, not in the media campaigns of an individual.
A Final Reflection
Jawar Mohammed has used his platform for personal gain. He has surrounded himself with people who flatter him, failing to build a genuine relationship with the courageous youth who have endured imprisonment and the frontlines. In my view, he is like a dog that barks endlessly, but in the end, it is the bite that reveals true intent.
The Oromo struggle is bigger than any single individual. The history of our freedom is written by those who have sacrificed, not by those who seek to rewrite it for their own benefit.
It is my duty to tell this story so that the Oromo people may know the truth about those who seek to lead them.
Beyond the Ballot Box: ABO Calls for Inclusive Dialogue as Ethiopia’s 7th Election Looms
In a sweeping declaration, the Oromo Liberation Front (ABO) has charted a course that transcends electoral politics, positioning itself as a champion of comprehensive national dialogue rather than a mere participant in Ethiopia’s upcoming 7th round of elections.
“Rakkoon Biyya keenya qabatee jiru, Filannoo qofaan kan furamu osoo hin taane, Marii hunda galeessa barbaada” — “The problems gripping our country cannot be solved by elections alone; we need inclusive dialogue.”
This powerful assertion forms the cornerstone of the ABO’s latest communiqué, issued from Finfinnee on June 22, 2026, as the party reflects on its participation in the electoral process while maintaining its commitment to peaceful struggle and national reconciliation.
A Dual Path Forward
The ABO’s statement reveals a nuanced position: while the party has engaged in the electoral mechanisms established by the electoral board, it maintains that genuine solutions to Ethiopia’s multifaceted crises require far more than ballot box outcomes. The party emphasizes that genuine, transparent dialogue involving all stakeholders must be conducted without undue time constraints.
“We have participated in Ethiopia’s 7th election, fulfilling our obligations and addressing gaps through our communications to the public,” the statement reads. “We have achieved this; there is no doubt.”
Yet beneath this measured tone lies a persistent critique of the electoral process itself. The ABO has raised concerns about irregularities and submitted complaints to the Electoral Board — though they express skepticism about whether these grievances have been properly investigated with the depth and fairness the situation demands.
The Cost of Participation
In a particularly striking passage, the ABO acknowledges the sacrifices made by its members and supporters throughout the campaign period. Despite challenging circumstances, the party has maintained its presence in various election-related forums, demonstrating resilience in the face of obstacles.
“ABO members, the public, and security forces who endured difficulties during the ‘choose me’ campaign are thanked for their support,” the statement declares.
This recognition of grassroots sacrifice underscores the party’s broader narrative: that meaningful political participation often comes at great personal cost, yet remains essential for those committed to democratic transformation.
A Warning to Political Rivals
Perhaps most significantly, the ABO’s statement delivers a pointed warning to both victorious parties and perceived adversaries. The party cautions that electoral victory alone cannot resolve Ethiopia’s fundamental challenges, suggesting that those who believe otherwise risk perpetuating cycles of conflict and instability.
“Those who have won through elections must not believe that winning and gaining power alone can solve the country’s problems,” the statement warns. “They must demonstrate genuine commitment, determination, and resolve to resolve the crises through justice and truth, so that Oromia may find peace.”
The ABO particularly singles out the “Tsimdoo” forces, described as political and military groups operating from the North against Oromia and the Oromo people. “What are they coming to bring to the Oromo people?” the statement asks, urging clear-eyed reflection on the consequences of continued conflict.
Unity and Peace as Paramount Goals
Throughout the communiqué, the ABO returns to themes of unity and peace as essential prerequisites for meaningful progress. The party calls for strengthened unity among Oromo political parties through dialogue, suggesting that a unified Oromo front represents the best defense against external threats.
The statement also demands the release of political prisoners and detainees held without proper legal proceedings, framing this as a fundamental matter of justice and human rights.
“Security and unity in Oromia are serious matters that cannot be ignored,” the ABO insists, calling on Gadaa leaders and religious institutions to continue their crucial work toward peace and unity in the region.
Looking Forward
Despite its criticisms, the ABO maintains that it harbors no regrets about participating in the electoral process. The party reaffirms its commitment to the path of peaceful struggle and ideological competition, promising to strengthen and expand the space for political engagement.
“The door for ideological competition has been opened small and must be strengthened and widened,” the statement concludes. “Others must work to achieve this.”
As Ethiopia approaches this pivotal election, the ABO’s message serves as both a call to action and a cautionary tale: that democracy requires more than elections, peace requires more than power, and the nation’s future demands participation from all its diverse voices.
Adda Bilisummaa Oromoo
June 22, 2026
Finfinnee
Oromedia 